The new Google Pixel 3 may may have stolen most of the headlines at the firm’s latest ‘Made by Google’ launch event, but Google has also finally taken the wraps off of its long-awaited Pixel Stand.
It takes advantage of one of the Pixel 3’s headline features: wireless charging. Here’s everything you need to know about the shiny new accessory.
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Google Pixel Stand: Price, release date and features
First and foremost, price and availability. The Pixel Stand costs £69 in the UK, and it’s available to pre-order right here. At the time of publication, Google Store says it will start shipping on November 8.
So what can it do? The Pixel Stand is a wireless charging dock that’s designed for the Pixel 3, but capable of powering up any Qi-compatible device. Google says it outputs up to 10W of power with the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL.
In terms of design, there’s not a huge amount to really talk about. The Stand is very… minimal. It’s white, and features a circular base with a ridge at the front and what looks like a backplate jutting out from middle.
These are, of course, what you’re supposed to place your phone between, as shown below.
Pixel Stand wirelessly charges your phone. And when you dock your Pixel 3*, it does a whole lot more. #pixel3 #madebygoogle https://t.co/hyn6VWSJMb
*sold separately pic.twitter.com/nHfRtgqLbs
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) October 9, 2018
When docked, the Stand tilts your phone back slightly, making it easy to see everything on-screen. From here, it can also turn your handset into a digital photo frame of sorts, showcasing images from Google Photos. Hopefully nothing rude though.
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Album covers will appear on-screen if you’re playing music, and if you’re a smart home ninja with a Nest Hello video doorbell, you’ll get a live feed on your Pixel handset’s screen when it’s docked on the Stand.
It can also display things like your calendar and weather from the Stand, but Google wants users to predominantly interact with docked phones through Google Assistant.
Here are some quick links to learn more about some of the other new products announced at Made by Google.
Are you tempted by the Google Pixel Stand? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.